Chapter 17 - Fullerene-based solar cells

Abstract

Fabrications, nanostructures and various properties of C60-based bulk heterojunction solar cells were reviewed during this research. C60 was used as an n-type semiconductor, and poly[3-hexylthiophene], porphyrin, polysilane, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, Ge nanoparticles, and diamond nanoparticles were used as p-type semiconductors. Electronic structures of the molecules were investigated using molecular orbital calculations. and energy levels of the solar cells are discussed. The exciton-diffusion blocking layer in the solar cells between the active layer and metal layer improved conversion efficiencies. Nanostructures of the solar cells were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction, which are closely related with the photovoltaic properties.